The Honor Magic V5 stands as the world’s slimmest foldable smartphone, presenting a compelling option in the competitive landscape of mobile technology. Although thickness may not be a primary factor for most buyers, my firsthand experience with this device reveals an impressive blend of features that extends beyond mere specifications.
As we approach the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 launch set for July 9, Samsung might want to keep a close watch on Honor’s latest offering.
It’s unfortunate that the Magic V5 won’t be available in the US, as it appears to be one of the most noteworthy foldable phones to date. Samsung can temporarily breathe easy knowing this.
During my hour-long interaction with the Magic V5 at a hardware preview event, I could tell the phone’s software was not final and therefore not fully evaluable. However, the hardware undeniably impressed me.
Honor Magic V5 Specifications
| Height | 156.8mm |
| Width | 74.3mm (folded), 145.9mm (unfolded) |
| Depth, unfolded | 4.1mm (Ivory White), 4.2mm (other colors) |
| Depth, folded | 8.8mm (Ivory White), 9mm (other colors) |
| Weight | 217g (Ivory White), 222g (other colors) |
| Exterior display | 6.43-inch, OLED, 2376 x 1060, 404ppi, up to 120Hz, 5000 nits peak |
| Interior display | 7.95-inch, OLED, 2352 x 2172, 401ppi, up to 120Hz, 5000 nits peak |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB |
| Front cameras | Dual 20MP wide, f/2.2 |
| Rear cameras | 50MP wide, 64MP periscope telephoto, 50MP ultra-wide |
| Battery | 5820mAh |
| Charging | 66W (wired), 50W (wireless) |
| Water & dust resistance | IP58 & IP59 |
An Unexpected Delight
Foldables have evolved significantly since the launch of the Galaxy Fold in 2019. Back then, the initial model was bulky and fraught with issues, yet it sparked a revolution in smartphone design, creating what many thought was a pipe dream.
Manufacturers have tackled early generation problems and durability concerns, making current foldables, including the Honor Magic V5, more appealing. While prices remain high, they are now more comparable to flagship smartphones on the market, making them a real contender.
Currently, the thinness obsession among manufacturers, particularly Honor and Oppo, drives innovation. The Magic V5 showcases this design ethos, measuring an astonishing 8.8mm when folded and just 4.1mm when unfolded.
On the Ivory White model, this design results in a weight of merely 217g, making it lighter than both the Galaxy S25 Ultra (218g) and iPhone 16 Pro Max (227g). This combination of lightweight and slim design creates a challenging balance in terms of durability, which naturally raises some concerns.
Despite its delicate appearance, the Honor Magic V5 feels impressively solid. Unfolding the device yields a satisfying snap, suggesting excellent rigidity, while the hinge offers a more premium sound compared to its predecessor, the Magic V3.
Is Thinness a Game-Changer?
While a slim profile may not seem revolutionary, the Honor Magic V5’s “Super Steel” hinge and its construction from aerospace-grade materials enhance its durability significantly. The device is indeed thin, but it maintains impressive performance and usability.
A peculiar aspect of this focus on thinness is that although the Magic V5 boasts a very slender design, the increased size of the camera bump results in it being thicker compared to its predecessor, the Magic V3. This means that while it holds the title in terms of maximum thinness, the bump detracts slightly from this claim.
What About the Usability Features?
A practical hardware update in the V5 is the relocation of the power and volume controls to the same side of the device, simplifying navigation whether the phone is opened or closed. The previously confusing arrangement from the V3 is now eliminated.
The package also includes a protective case, similar to the V3, featuring a built-in kickstand for easier media viewing on the expansive 7.95-inch display.
The crease in the center of the screen has improved significantly, becoming less noticeable unless viewed from an extreme angle. The quality of the display seems stellar, with a bit of a black bezel that may catch your eye, yet it aligns closely with the competition. While I couldn’t test the camera performance due to the software not being final, the data suggests a promising setup.
Can the Honor Magic V5 support advanced camera features? Yes, it comes equipped with a triple camera system, including a 50MP main lens, a 64MP telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultra-wide lens, which supports up to 100x zoom—a design choice that justifies the camera bump’s size.
What About Power and Battery Life?
Honor emphasizes that durability, battery life, and slim design are central to consumer priorities when selecting foldable devices. The Magic V5 integrates a robust 5,820mAh battery, bigger than those in competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, contributing positively to its battery longevity.
Pediatricians usually recommend the devices focus on software and performance; therefore, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage signifies ample power under the hood.
While we don’t have pricing details for the UK or Europe yet, we expect announcements around its global launch on August 28. Interestingly, it will not be available in the US, potentially giving Samsung a slight reprieve in the foldable market.
In a competitive landscape, the Honor Magic V5 is making its mark and could disrupt established players. Keep your eyes peeled for more insights and updates on foldable technology as the market evolves!
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